The Hotel Toural is the ideal place to explore the town's beautiful historic centre, including the Castle of Guimaraes, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, the Largo da Oliveira / Largo S. Tiago, the Alberto Sampaio Museum and Museum Martins Sarmento.

Also worth visiting is the Penha mountain (whose rise can be made by cable car), the church of S. Francisco and the Centro Cultural Vila Flor.

The historic town of Guimaraes is associated with the emergence of the Portuguese national identity in the 12th century. An exceptionally well preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a Medieval settlement into a modern town, its rich building typology exemplifies the specific development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th century through the consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques.

It was within sight of the castle walls that Afonso Henriques defeated the army of his mother in 1128 resulting in him becoming the first king of Portugal.

In those days the lands to the south in both Portugal and Spain were under the control of the Moors. Over the years, with the assistance of the 'Crusaders', the land was retaken from the Moors who were driven back into Africa.

A visit to the city should commence with the castle and the tiny Romanesque church where Afonso was probably baptized.